Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reiterated the shared dedication of Nigeria and Egypt to advancing global peace, emphasising the paramount importance of stability across Africa. Affirming Nigeria’s strategic significance on the continent, President Tinubu, speaking from Abuja on Friday, pledged Nigeria’s ongoing role as a stabilising force within Africa.
During a reception of credentials from Egyptian Ambassador Mohammed Ahmed, President Tinubu underscored Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with fellow African nations to foster stability within international organisations, notably the United Nations.
Recognising Egypt’s key role in brokering a truce amidst the Gaza crisis, President Tinubu highlighted the longstanding collaboration between Nigeria and Egypt since the inception of diplomatic relations in 1961, particularly in advancing regional peace, security, and stability.
Discussions during the meeting also addressed the situations in the Sahel and Sudan regions.
Ambassador Ahmed conveyed President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s eagerness to bolster economic ties with Nigeria, showing Egypt’s keen interest in enhancing trade and investments between the two nations.
Engaging in talks with Major-General Sohail Ahmed Khan (retired), High Commissioner of Pakistan, President Tinubu commended the Ambassador’s military background as invaluable for fostering dialogue to expand security and defence cooperation.
He stressed the necessity of global collaboration in combating terrorism and violent extremism.
”We must do more to stop extremists. We need to enhance our collaboration and exchange of ideas and knowledge in these areas.
”As a government, we will keep an open-door policy with countries and development partners on enhancing cooperation on security, economy, education, and the information and communication technology sector, where the Minister is doing very well. How can we improve our bilateral relationship? We must do more,’‘ he urged.
The High Commissioner of Pakistan highlighted the demographic parallels between the two nations and expressed eagerness to elevate the relationship to unprecedented levels. ”Pakistan has the fifth largest population in the world, while Nigeria is the sixth largest. We have a significant youth population, and our national flags are similar. I would like to take our relationship to a new level, from strength to strength,” noted the High Commissioner.
In a separate engagement with Ambassador Athanasios Kotsionis of Greece, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to an inclusive policy framework fostering collaboration and progress for mutual benefit.
Affirming Nigeria’s resolve to bolster bilateral relations with Greece, President Tinubu pledged to forge stronger ties to tackle shared challenges collaboratively.
Ambassador Kotsionis highlighted Greece’s initiatives to finalise agreements with Nigeria spanning tourism, scientific exchange, technology, and maritime domains.
